Heart Attack Vs Cardiac Arrest

Heart Attack Vs Cardiac Arrest: Know the Differences, Warning Signs and What to do?

Many people are often confused when it comes to medical terms like heart attack and cardiac arrest, assuming that they are the same thing, although they’re not. It’s important to know that while both heart attack and cardiac arrest are life-threatening cardiac emergencies that need to be treated immediately, they are two distinct heart conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Whether you’re looking for ways to boost your heart health or you’ve just had a heart attack and want expert care to prevent a secondary cardiac event, know that doctors at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, are here for you. Our compassionate cardiologists and cardiac surgeons offer the most advanced, world-class personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

This article describes what exactly a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest is. It will also help you understand the key differences between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest, including how to recognise their symptoms, how they are linked, and what to do if you or someone close to you is experiencing a heart event.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly interrupted due to a blockage in one of the coronary arteries – which supply oxygenated blood to the heart. This blockage is often caused by plaques (a buildup of fat or cholesterol in the arteries). These plaques narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Sometimes, these plaques can rupture and form a clot that restricts or blocks blood flow, leading to a heart attack.

Without prompt treatment, a heart attack can cause irreversible heart damage, resulting in death. Restoring blood flow to the heart muscle within 30 minutes or the first hour after the symptoms start is crucial to minimize permanent heart damage and save lives.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack may include:

• Chest discomfort or pain that may feel like squeezing, pressure, or tightness
• Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arm, or upper abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Cold sweat
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea

Some people may have mild symptoms that come and go over several hours, days, or even weeks before a heart attack happens. For some people, heart attack symptoms may be immediate and severe. Symptoms may also vary from person to person and differ between men and women. For instance, women are more likely to have unexplained weakness or fatigue, as well as sharp pain in the neck, arm, or back.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help ?

Anyone who experiences symptoms of a heart attack, especially if they don’t go away with rest, should seek emergency medical help without any further delay.

What is a Cardiac Arrest?

A cardiac arrest, also referred to as sudden cardiac arrest, is when a person’s heart stops beating entirely and unexpectedly due to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. During a cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood and oxygen to the brain, lungs, and other organs, causing the person to lose consciousness and pulse.

A cardiac arrest is caused by a problem in the heart’s electrical system, resulting in the cessation of the heart to pump blood.

A cardiac arrest can lead to death if appropriate steps are not taken within minutes. Giving emergency treatments, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, until medical help arrives can improve the chances of survival.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Cardiac Arrest

Most people will not have any symptoms until they have a cardiac arrest, which means it can come on suddenly and without any warning signs.

Symptoms of a cardiac arrest include:

• Sudden loss of consciousness and collapse
• No pulse
• No breathing

In some cases, individuals may have some signs and symptoms right before they have a cardiac arrest. These might include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea and vomiting

When to go to the Emergency Room ?

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical intervention. And if you think someone has just had a cardiac arrest, call your local emergency number fast and then begin CPR until an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available.

How Does a Heart Attack Differ from Cardiac Arrest?

In a heart attack, blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. It is a circulation problem.

In a cardiac arrest, the heart abruptly stops beating completely, unlike a heart attack, where the heart may continue beating, although in reduced function. It can happen suddenly or may occur in the wake of some warning signs. Cardiac arrest is a problem associated with the heart’s electrical activity.

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are two different life-threatening medical emergencies, requiring treatment right away. Yet, they are also linked.

How are Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Linked?

Despite being two distinct cardiac events, heart attacks and cardiac arrest are linked, both requiring immediate medical attention. Heart attacks can trigger sudden cardiac arrest. However, most cases of heart attacks do not cause cardiac arrest immediately. A prior heart attack also increases a person’s risk of having a sudden cardiac arrest.

Apart from a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest can be a result of several conditions and situations, including:

• Coronary heart disease
• Heart failure and other heart problems
• Severe asthma attack or lung infection
• Severe physical stress or blood loss
• Recreational drugs and some medicines

What To Do in Case of a Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest?

• Heart attack – if you or someone around you is having a heart attack, dial emergency medical help right away. The best thing is to get to the emergency room as quickly as possible so that treatment can be initiated on time. Remember, every minute counts – the faster the patient receives the treatment, the less permanent damage is done to the heart muscle.
• Cardiac arrest – if you suspect that someone around you has just suffered from a cardiac arrest, call for emergency medical services at once and then start CPR, continuing it until emergency medical staff arrives. Use an AED, if one is available. If two people are available to help, CPR should be initiated at the first sign of a cardiac arrest while the other person contacts emergency services and looks for an AED. Sudden cardiac arrest is often fatal, but timely treatment can save lives. Fast action, such as CPR and the use of an AED, significantly improves a patient’s chance of survival until medical treatment can begin.

Takeaway

The bottom line is, heart attacks and cardiac arrest episodes are serious medical emergencies that can be fatal if not addressed appropriately and quickly. However, acting swiftly by getting emergency care and proper treatment can make the difference between life and death.

That said, it’s always wise to take proactive steps to prevent or reduce your risk of having a cardiac emergency by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. These include making healthier food choices, staying physically active, not smoking or using any tobacco products, getting screened for heart disease (particularly if you’re at risk), managing stress, and controlling any health conditions that you may have.